VISTA MARE

Documentary, 80 min
AT/IT 2023
Premiere @ 76. Locarno Filmfestival, Semaine de la Critique 2023

Vista Mare is a poetic and surrealist documentary revealing the hidden
labour behind ‘a holiday in the sun’ on Italy’s Northern Adriatic Coastal
resorts. Shot over an entire working season (Feb to Oct), it takes viewers on
a journey through an artificial landscape built to amuse vacationers. Vista
Mare’s camera purposefully watches a multi-national army of seasonal
labourers toiling from dawn to dark. Workers test remote-controlled
umbrellas, meticulously prepare meals, and most importantly, jolly the
patrons into having a good time. Meanwhile on the shoreline, thousands of
guests paddle in the waves and enjoy carefully scheduled fun. Little wonder
the demands of their jobs drive the workers to chant “Slaves? Never!” in a
protest carefully overseen by the Police. In an absurdist loop, Vista Mare
watches the workers, who watch other workers play, until the sky turns
cloudy, the beaches empty, and the last umbrella closes.

produced by Eutopiafilm (AT) & Albolina Film (IT)
World Sales: Filmotor